Ambulance Victoria urged to tackle unplanned leave

The Victorian auditor-general says unplanned leave at Ambulance Victoria needs to be reduced.

The auditor-general's report on unplanned leave in emergency services says it cost the Government more than $600 million in 2011-2012.

It found operational staff at Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Service Board have higher rates of unplanned leave than other public sector staff.

The report blames long hours, injuries and emotional stress but also says excessive unplanned leave could also be a symptom of organisational problems.

Rural staff at Ambulance Victoria take the most unplanned leave and for longer periods.

Staff are also more likely to take unplanned leave on weekends.

The acting auditor-general says Ambulance Victoria is aware of the problem and addressing the issue but reductions need to continue, because service delivery is impacted.

Steve McGhie of Ambulance Employees Australia says paramedics will continue to call in sick unless the State Government improves working conditions.

"Of course aggression and violence towards paramedics, I mean they are human beings ... some of them will be affected by aggression and violence towards them and some of them may not be able to face going into work on weekends, or some weekends, dealing with people who are substance abusers or alcohol abusers, taking that out on paramedics," he said.